Overview
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is an alternative to the traditional department-centered baccalaureate program. A student follows the core requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree and then takes 44 hours within one of the five interdepartmental clusters -- Humanities, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Visual Arts -- in place of a single departmental concentration.
The degree is designed principally to meet the needs of transfer students and adult learners returning to college after an absence of several years. The degree allows the student with an eclectic set of transfer credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. The BGS is not appropriate for most students planning to go on to graduate or professional study. A student seeking a BGS should consult with the Office of Undergraduate Admission and a department chair in the proposed Interdepartmental Cluster prior to enrolling in this degree program.
Composition of the Interdepartmental Clusters:
Humanities:
- Communication, Journalism & Media
- Theatre
- English
- History
- World Languages & Cultural Studies
- Philosophy
- Women’s & Gender Studies (courses with a humanities focus)
Social Sciences:
- Advertising, Public Relations & Social Media
- Economics
- Education Studies
- Environmental Studies
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology & Criminal Justice
- Women’s & Gender Studies (courses with a social science focus)
Life Sciences:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Radiation Science
Physical Sciences:
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
Visual Arts:
- Art Foundation Studies
- Art History
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Studio Art